Helper's Christmastown Festival turns on the lights

With the flick of a switch, scores of thousands of decorative bulbs on trees, buildings and lamposts on Helper Main Street began to glow Friday. Utah's Christmas Town showed how it earned its title at the 22nd annual Lights On event.

Left, Mayor Dean Armstrong reads the proclamation from himself and Gov. Gary Herbert commemorating the city and the season it celebrates.

The Sally Mauro Singers followed on the stage of the Main Street Park, entertaining the crowd with Christmas carols.

Right, the decorations cast colorful light up and down the street and in the park as people line the street to greet Santa Claus, who will arrive behind a fire engine escort.

The Festival continues Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the city cemetery with a Luminary Memorial Ceremony.